Do we need to get a divorce in MA or can we stay separated indefinitely?

I left my husband a couple of years ago and moved away (we were married in Marlborough, MA). When I left, we just needed a break. We have no kids, I don’t intend to remarry and I’m not on his health insurance or vice versa. We haven’t kept in touch and I’m wondering if we can stay separated indefinitely? Does leaving the marriage constitute abandonment or something like that?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

You may continue to remain married but separated however your legal status would prevent you from legally marrying until you get divorced and being potentially liable for his actions (such as his debt ) until such time as you get divorced. My best advice is that if you don’t intend to get back together then you or he should file for divorce and resolve any outstanding issues in a divorce agreement.

Marlborough Divorce Attorney Stephen G. Morte provides legal representation in the area of divorce and family law to individuals and families in Marlborough Massachusetts and the surrounding communities including: Stowe, Sudbury, Wayland, Southborough, Northborough, Berlin and Bolton.